Angler Input Needed to Help Stop the Spread of Invasive Round Goby
Invasive Round Gobies found during field studies in Northwest Pennsylvania. Photo Credit: Sean Rafferty, Pennsylvania Sea Grant
Register today for the "Your Voice for Our Waters", an angler engagement session on December 6, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Allegheny College.
Background
Lake Erie, French Creek, and other northwestern Pennsylvania waterways are being impacted by a small, aggressive, invasive fish - the Round Goby, which wreaks havoc on native mussel and fish populations, particularly the Smallmouth Bass. The sale, barter, transport, and possession of the Round Goby is illegal in the state, yet its close resemblance to other baitfish, like darters and sculpins, often results in its unintentional spread.
Growing concerns that the Round Goby will spread to additional inland waterways, particularly those adjacent to Lake Erie, have inspired Pennsylvania Sea Grant (PASG) and the Pennsylvania Governor's Invasive Species Council to host "Your Voice for Our Waters," an angler engagement session. The session will focus on connecting with anglers, who are often among the first to recognize the impacts of invasive species on local waterways and fisheries, to get their input on strategies to help stop the spread of the Round Goby. Â
Your Voice for Our Waters: Engaging the Angling Community
The overarching goal of this effort is to protect the waters treasured by all Pennsylvanians from the spread of the Round Goby. To reach that goal, event organizers aim to bring angler voices to the table, sharing concerns and developing creative strategies that will benefit the angling community.
The format of the session will encourage two-way conversation to develop angler-to-angler educational messaging and engage all participants to brainstorm ideas and share suggestions about the types of educational resources that will increase angler understanding of invasive species. Ultimately, angler input and participation will help guide future education and outreach strategies, ultimately stopping the spread of the Round Goby.
To thank participants for their valuable input, the workshop will offer free lunch, giveaways, gift basket raffles, and more!
When and Where: December 6, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Allegheny College.
Lunch: Lunch will be provided.
Registration: There is no cost to participate. However, to ensure an accurate lunch count, registration is required (https://forms.gle/LtHDsFpoLf7zkv459). Registration by December 2nd is preferred, but late registrants will be considered.
Questions about the workshop: Contact Amber Stilwell at ars26@psu.edu or 814-898-7068Â
More about the Round Goby
The Round Goby (Neogobius melanostomus) is a small but aggressive fish that grows rapidly and reproduces several times in one spawning season. It is a threat to aquatic ecosystems as it causes declines in native fish species. It was first discovered in the St. Clair River in 1990, most likely released during ballast water exchanges of transoceanic ships. It has since spread throughout the Great Lakes, and, unfortunately, largely due to improper or unintentional bait release, the Round Goby has been found in the waters of northwestern Pennsylvania, including Lake Erie and its lower tributaries, as well as the Fairview Gravel Pits Pond, Lake LeBeouf, and French Creek in Erie and Crawford counties.
Young Round Gobies often resemble small baitfish and can be spread by boaters and anglers who may unknowingly carry them from one body of water to another in bait buckets, bilge water, and on plant debris. Despite their invasive nature and ecological and economic impacts, the Round Goby is sometimes still used as bait.
Threat to Ecology and Economy of Pennsylvania
The Round Goby thrives at the expense of native fish populations by outcompeting them for food and breeding habitat. It feeds on aquatic macroinvertebrates, small native freshwater mussels, and on the eggs and young of native fish species. It poses a particular threat to Smallmouth Bass, as it often feeds on their eggs and fry. It has a competitive advantage because it can feed in complete darkness and aggressively defends prime spawning areas.
The Round Goby can be problematic for communities that rely on healthy recreational fisheries. Valued at $4.2 billion, the Pennsylvania fishing industry plays a significant role in the economy (American Sportfishing Association, 2022). Angling activities contribute $13 million of income to Erie County residents. Managing invasive species like the Round Goby can cost thousands of dollars or more to control, and eradication is almost never a possibility.
Additional Resources
For more information about the Round Goby, as well as how anglers and bait suppliers can prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species, visit Pennsylvania Sea Grant online and download these resources:
- Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Tips for Anglers
- Aquatic Invasive Species Tips for Bait Shop Owners
- Round Goby Factsheet
Sources
American Sportfishing Association (2022). Economic Contributions of Recreational Fishing: Pennsylvania Statewide. United States Fish and Wildlife Service National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation.
